At the high school level, the class meets requirements for a half American literature credit and a half writing or composition credit.

Students might also earn 3 college credits toward Composition 101, or a similar course, depending on how they perform on the AP exam and what the college's protocols are for accepting AP credits. Most state schools award credit for a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP exam.

• Abby '21: I learned from AP Lang how to connect with others and to understand different points of view. I matured a lot in how I viewed the world and interacted with my classmates, co-workers, family, friends, and teachers. ...Additionally, I've learned a lot academically such as the correct way to use MLA format and APA format, correct grammar and syntax, and how to create an interesting and powerful essay. 

• Edwin '22: When I  signed up for AP Lang and Comp I expected a  regular ELA class, with the only difference of it being at a college level. I thought I would be reading books and attempting to write complex essays for the sole purpose of a grade. I was surprised to find out it wasn't just about reading books and writing essays, but also about learning life lessons and growing as a person. Not only did I do that, but through reading sophisticated writing such as A Fire Next Time  by James Baldwin I got a better knowledge of what professional writing looks like. And with Mrs. Benz's short writing lessons I learned how to reach such high levels of writing. Having finished first semester, I feel glad and happy that I decided to take this class.

• Max '22: I wanted to challenge myself by taking a more stimulating class. Out of honesty, I will admit that I was right about this class having its challenges. I have always excelled at math, and English literature has never been my strong point. I do, however, love to read. I have had my fair share of struggles with writing a number of essays, but it was worth it. This class has taught me many lessons on how to be a better writer. I also now am more aware of rhetorical devices used when I read books for my own pleasure.  I am happy that I chose to take AP English and Composition; I truly learned a lot.

• Reese '23: The most important lesson I learned from your class is that everyone's opinion matters and should be heard, whether someone agrees with it or not. This has made me feel comfortable joining different clubs and making new friends. I find expressing myself to be difficult, and I feel that your class helped me find ways to share what and how I was feeling, while being respectful to others ideas.

• Kennedy '24: In your class, I felt that I was encouraged to grow into a more confident, creative writer. At the beginning of the year, our first writing assignment left me frustrated by the lack of instruction and structure. However, as the year progressed, I became more comfortable with the idea of escaping the cookie-cutter format I’d written myself into in previous English classes. By the end of the year, I was able to write deeper, more interesting essays in less time and with less anxiety.

In the 2022-23 school year, students are reading the following books.

• The Chosen by Chaim Potok

• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry

• There There by Tommy Orange

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

• The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Students also read and analyze articles, essays, letters, and speeches that accompany the books and/or prepare them for the AP exam.

• After each book read during the 1st semester, students write an essay that explores any idea related to the book or the book's writing style. Students will gain experience using APA, MLA, and Chicago citation styles to prepare them for college.

• In the 2nd semester, students write in-class essays about what they read in order to prepare them for the AP exam and other writing experiences that must be done within time constraints.

• When the year is over, each student will have written at least 12 essays.